Millions has been invested in the developments, and we’ve rounded up some of the new additions as well as those that are coming soon. To see the changes being made on the seafront see here.
1. Minster Park
The new Minster Park was recently unveiled on the site of the old Town Park. It was a little-used area of the city in recent decades, despite its rich heritage as the heart of Bishopwearmouth, one of the three original settlements that came together to form Sunderland. Last month, a year to the day since ground was broken on the project, its new look as Minster Park was unveiled following a year-long programme of improvement works to transform Sunderland Minster and the land to the south of it. The opening marked the completion of this section of the Bishopwearmouth Townscape Heritage Scheme, a project which has also seen repair works made to Sunderland Minster churchyard, as well as the Dun Cow and Peacock pubs. Photo: JPI Media
2. City Hall, old Vaux site
Work is forging ahead on the new City Hall, which will be Sunderland City Council's headquarters, on the site of the old Vaux site. Part of the new Riverside Sunderland urban quarter, the 190,000 sq ft hub is set to house council staff and a range of public sector partners including Gentoo and the Department for Work and Pensions. Photo: submitted
3. 170-173 High Street West
Once the site of the original Binns store, these historic buildings are being transformed by Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust. The Grade II-listed buildings, which once stood empty, are being brought back to life with grants from Historic England and Sunderland City Council. Part of the city's Historic High Streets Heritage Action Zone, they will eventually house Pop Recs and the Sunshine Co-operative and will be a community and culture hub. Photo: JPI Media
4. The Auditorium
Years in the planning, the £11million Auditorium is being built on a former car park next door to The Fire Station and, once complete, will share an entrance with the arts venue. Sunderland-based Brims began construction last September on the multi-purpose music, comedy, arts and theatre space and resumed following a pause during lockdown. Designed pre-coronavirus with a capacity of 450 people seated or 800 standing, The Auditorium lies between the size of the neighbouring 2,000-seater Empire and smaller music venues such as Independent and is a mid-size venue that should stamp Sunderland on the touring circuit route for a host of gigs and other performances. Photo: JPI Media